Josef Váchal

Josef Váchal (September 23, 1884, Milavče – May 10, 1969, Studeňany u Jičína) was a Czech painter, graphic artist, illustrator, sculptor, woodcarver, as well as a writer and poet. His work was influenced by expressionism and elements of symbolism, naturalism and Art Nouveau, but he attempted his own stylistically uncontested artistic expression.

The main part of his work falls under the period of the First Republic, on the contrary, he had existential problems under the communist regime. Among his most famous works are the book Krvavý román or illustrations for Deml's Castle of Death. He was not appreciated during his lifetime, he only received some recognition with the title of Meritorious Artist in 1969.